Education & Personal Advancement
Youth Education
We believe that helping our neighbors achieve their fullest potential through education and personal advancement opportunities is key to a thriving community. In 2011, our associates reported more than 8,600 volunteer hours devoted to local educational and skills development projects in their communities. Partnering with local and international nonprofit organizations, our hotels are making a real difference in the educational outcomes of our youth.
Mentoring in Miami, Florida
For more than four years, associates from Hyatt Regency Coral Gables have participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami “School to Work” program, in which Little Brothers and Sisters are matched up with Hyatt associates who become their Big Brothers and Sisters in an “at-work” environment. Each month, the “Littles” visit the hotel and start off their day with an educational program that focuses on Hyatt philosophies and life skills, such as resume building and personal finance. The “Bigs” mentor the students about life experiences, work ethics and homework while also encouraging and listening to each child’s needs. In addition to life skills, the “Littles” receive an in-depth introduction to the hospitality industry. Recently, the hotel hired a graduate of the program as a part-time associate.
Literacy Initiatives in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is home to Hyatt’s headquarters and three downtown hotels. Recognizing the link between access to books in early childhood and literacy, Hyatt collaborated in 2011 with We Give Books – a digital literacy initiative created by The Pearson Foundation – to donate 15,000 award-winning titles to 10 Chicago Public Schools, where more than 90 percent of the students come from low-income households. Hyatt distributed the books to elementary students to emphasize the importance of reading, and formed an ongoing partnership with one of the recipient schools, Cesar E Chavez Multicultural Academy. Throughout the year, Hyatt associates organize volunteer activities with Chavez students including career training and job shadowing.
Partnership with HBCU-HM Consortium
Working with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities-Hospitality Management Consortium (HBCU-HM Consortium), Hyatt launched the Hyatt Hotels Summer Bridge Program for High School Students in 2011 to provide minority students with exposure to the hospitality industry through immersion programs and career-shadowing opportunities.
